With the evolution of technology and more importantly social media, an average movie-goer today has the know-how of even the minutest detail of a film, a privilege his yester-generation did not have access to. So those who've been following movies in the last decade would have been accustomed to the name T. Muthuraj. He is quite the star in his field of work i.e art direction (or as it is known these days - production design) but doesn't carry any airs about himself or the tight schedule he works in. We caught up with art director Muthuraj during one of his travel sessions and it lead to what follows.
You Are A Part Of Two Of The Most Powerful Movies In Tamil - Mersal And 2.0. How Does It Feel?
While Mersal is more real-life, 2,0 is set in the fantasy world. Both have been equally interesting. For Mersal, we had to re-create sets for instances when it wasn't possible to shoot Vijay sir in the live location, as it could attract crowds. 2.0 was a completely different world and extremely challenging. A lot of research went into the working of 2.0.
Superstar Rajinikanth, Thalapathy Vijay - a word?
Both are extremely sincere, hard-working and punctual. (continues after a pause) Another similarity between both of them is that they never interfere in others' works and keep it to themselves. The actors usually come to the sets after all my work is done; they never get to witness me working but if they like a set or something I've created, then they express their happiness or compliment.
Every creative person has his own approach of working. What is yours?
After I get a hang of the subject, I decide on the look and feel of the film. Each situation has a different atmosphere; it could be a town or village or any other thing. So based on this I choose my colour palettes, look and feel and the totality of the film. Sketching is the most important part for me as I have to be able to bring it to reality later on. Then I sit and discuss with the dop (director of photography) and co-ordinate about the rest of the details.
Do you think behind-the-screens technicians get the recognition they deserve?
You see, one cannot be working with expectations of awards and recognition. For an art-director atleast most of the hard-work goes unnoticed, for the blood and sweat put into making a set look real, is actually accepted by people as a real location. I end up getting complimented for sets I've spent least time and creativity on, as such locations are not commonly seen by people and it seems attractive to them. So it balances out.
Curious to know if an art-director's personal space naturally reflects his/her creative talents? Also, could you describe yours?
Well, its all in the eyes of the beholder. The way you've set up your space may appeal to one; may not to the other. Some people like to keep their space very minimalist whereas I like to keep it cluttered. You will notice a lot of props in my personal space - books, paintings, palettes. And I would have placed my system (computer) right next to it which a lot of people wouldn't do.
What inspires you the most?
I don't know about inspiration but I love watching good films. Especially the fantasy films and the Walt Disney ones. I am probably attracted to them because of the creative scope they provide and also because they take your imagination to an alternate world altogether.
If someone has to take up art-direction as a career option, what would they need?
A lot of people are good at drawing but they are good when they see an image and draw. I would tell them to practice imagining something of their own and bring that on the paper. Because sketching is the key in art-direction and you need to be very creative with it. For example only if you wanted a table built for you, you need to imagine first how you want in your mind, sketch it on the paper and only then you will be able to communicate what you really want with the carpenter.
Qualifications and degrees are secondary. Creativity, ability to communicate through sketches and a lot of practical experience is a must to make a sustainable career in this field.
A while ago, you had mentioned your interest in directing a film someday. Is it on the cards?
The kind of film I want to direct is an experimental genre in our country. It has never been seen or tried before. When you have such a film, the process becomes lengthy as you have to spend a lot of time in the look-and-feel and wait for the right investors to come along. If I give you even a hint (about the film / genre), it could turn into a spoiler. So I'd like to hold it at this point.
Mersal Diwali and 2.0 Pongal - What can the audience expect?
Mersal is a mass entertainer. 2.0 is all about the grandeur and Rajini Sir's fans will get to see him in 3D for the first time.